Emanuel Stands By Plan Not To Raise Taxi Fares

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Emanuel is standing firm against raising taxicab fares, even as he looks at other ways to allow regular cab drivers to make more money, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

Mayor Emanuel has proposed lowering the lease rates for many cab drivers but there are a lot who own their own vehicles and don't pay for leases so they won't be affected. Many of them want a fare hike, Mayor Emanuel does not.

"I don't believe on raising fares on the consumer. I believe in finding reforms and efficiencies and doing the tough things that the bureaucracy use to impose costs on folks and that is where the savings are," Emanuel said.

Alderman Bob Fioretti who wants to be mayor leans toward supporting some kind of increase for drivers but isn't sure what form is should take.

"They have been urging it. I think we need to have full hearings on it and the sooner we have the hearings the better it would be," he said.

For now, the mayor's plan is the only thing on the table.